Factors modulating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on posttraumatic stress symptomatology of the Spanish healthcare workers: A cohort study
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic generated a global health crisis that significantly impacted healthcare systems and professionals. Healthcare workers were exposed to high levels of psychological distress, including posttraumatic stress symptomatology (PTSS). AIM: Analyse the evolution of PTSS among Spanish healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to identify associated factors. METHOD: A multicenter prospective cohort study with a 12-month follow-up was conducted. PTSS was the primary outcome. Secondary variables included sociodemographic, occupational, psychological, and coping-related factors. Statistical analyses comprised bivariate comparisons and multivariate modelling, such as generalized linear models and linear mixed models. RESULTS: Of the 428 participants, 180 completed the 12-month follow-up. At baseline, changes in work posts, negative family-work relations, avoidant coping, burnout symptoms, and emotional intelligence were associated with PTSS levels. Linear mixed models showed a significant decrease in PTSS over the 12-month period, regardless of gender, age, household type, occupational role, contract type, job title, level of care or type of service (p < 0.001). The generalised linear model explained 25.5% of the variance in PTSS levels at baseline, highlighting the role of psychological and coping factors over sociodemographic or occupational characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the need for early identification and intervention focused on psychological and coping mechanisms. Promoting emotional regulation, reducing burnout, and addressing maladaptive coping may help mitigate long-term psychological effects among healthcare workers during public health crises.
Source: PLoS ONE
Authors: Beatriz Arregui-Gallego, María Isabel Orts-Cortés, María Teresa Moreno-Casbas, Eva Abad-Corpa, Rafaela Camacho-Bejarano, Mª Ángeles Cidoncha-Moreno, Isabel Feria-Raposo, Javier Iruzubieta-Barragán, Montserrat Carmona, Estíbaliz Cristóbal-Domínguez, Leticia Bernués-Caudillo, Elvira Casado-Ramírez, Alda Recas-Martin, Dolores Sánchez-López, Noelia López Rascón, Silvia Esteban-Sepúlveda, María Clara Vidal-Thomàs, Isabel Alonso, Daniel Muñoz-Jiménez, José Vicente Segura-Heras, Joaquín Moncho, Manuel Rich-Ruiz
Institutions: Fundación para la Investigación e Innovación Biosanitaria de Atención Primaria, University of Alicante, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Unidad de Investigación en cuidados y servicios de salud (Investén-isciii), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria, Universidad de Huelva, Osakidetza, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, Fidmag Sisters Hospitallers, Universidad Europea Miguel de Cervantes, Agencia de Evaluación de Tecnologías Sanitarias, Ministry of Health, Gobierno de Canarias, Hospital General Universitario de Elche, Universitat de Barcelona, Servei de Salut de les Illes Balears, Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Universitat de Miguel Hernández d'Elx, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, University of Córdoba
Language: English
Topic: COVID-19 and Mental Health
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,382
Award: G5221484373
OpenAlex ID: W4411339816